Monday, December 27, 2010

Welcome to Our House

Every night Henry brushes his teeth and goes "peeps" before bed. One night it took a little longer than normal...


I, of course, blamed Scott first. I was quickly corrected.
Welcome to life with a 4 year old!

Putting up the Tree

The day after Thanksgiving we put up the tree. This year I had a bit more help than normal. The kids loved the ornaments best, I loved when we were finished. It took a little bit to keep them from touching the tree constantly...in fact there are still ornaments that move around almost daily!



I think that next year I'll put up the tree closer to Christmas...and perhaps after bedtime...

Everyday Fun

Carrots and dip are a favorite at our house. I had a bag of long carrots for a recipe and the kids thought they should give them a try. Whatever it takes to help them eat their veggies!



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Saturday morning coffee and paper reading

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Almost everyday we color or paint...sometimes more than once!

It's Official - We Have a Preschooler

Some days I can't believe that we have a little one in school. He really isn't so little. The day that he came home with his school pictures I knew that things were never going to be the same. He is growing up so fast!!

Where have we been...and what are we doing?!

Oh my word - I can't believe how long it has been. I think that the longer I waited to post the easier it got to keep putting it off. So, after the long break...here is the catching up!

For Halloween this year my sister made great Cat in the Hat costumes. Henry and Meleah were supposed to be Thing 1 & Thing 2. Halloween Eve we went to my mom and dad's...and the kids refused their costumes. Halloween afternoon they held their ground and refused to wear them again. They were willing to give up trick or treating in order to avoid the costumes. I offered them last year's options, and they were thrilled.

"It's time for Veggie Tales!"
Here's Bob & Larry!



Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Critter Barn Field Trip

Today Henry and I visited the Critter Barn for his second field trip. There were a lot of critters, Henry wasn't so sure about all of them, but he did find a couple of favorites.




Henry was willing to pet the chicken, not hold it, just pet it.

The bunnies on the other hand, one of Henry's favorites. The other was the kittens. I think he could have stayed in that area of the critters the entire time!

Henry also made friends with a goat...the feeling was mutual:



Milking: not Henry's thing, but he was willing to watch.

A Brother's Love (part two)

A brother's love...is like no other.

Last night Henry proved his love once again, but not in the priceless way we always hope for.

Scott and I were doing dishes. Meleah and Henry were playing in the living room. Meleah started to cry and between sobs we heard "Henry hit me." Henry of course denied it, he did reveal though that he pushed her off the couch instead.

Meleah's crying slowed down and even stopped at times. But she wouldn't move her arm, or let us anywhere near it. Meleah is one tough cookie when it comes to getting pushed around or hurt, so we knew that this was a bigger deal than just a bruise.

After calling the pediatrician we headed to the children's ER in our area to have her checked out. Meleah was very excited to go "down town" but then she would remember that we were going to see the doctor and she would start to cry again.

We had a very nice doctor from our pediatrician's office that saw Meleah. They bonded instantly, with the help of a little squishy elephant. Meleah talked and talked while the doctor felt her arm. Thankfully no broken bones. Just an elbow that was out of joint. One little twist, a pop and Meleah was back to normal.

We left with a sticker covered little girl and a squishy elephant.

The whole way home Meleah kept saying "Pop, she just popped it in. All fixed. My arm's all better. Pop. Pop."

She didn't say a word about it today though. Almost as if it never happened. Almost.

A Brother's Love (part one)

We have a sharp spot on the back of our couch. I'm not sure how to fix it, but I know that I need to do something. The other night proved it.

I was in the kitchen getting dinner ready when I hear Meleah start to cry. When she didn't stop I knew that it was more than just the normal Henry pestering that occurs. Then I heard Henry say "Meleah, go to Mom."

Meleah had cut her elbow on the sharp spot. She would hardly let me see it, but in the quick glances I knew exactly what had happened. I picked her up to go get it bandaged, and noticed she also needed a diaper change. I chose to do the diaper first.

Henry trailed after us to Meleah's room. He made funny faces at her while I changed her diaper and tried to get her to stop crying.

We tromped to the bathroom to find the bandaids, Henry followed.

He watched intently as we picked out the right size and shape bandaid. He made sure Meleah had her gear (blankie and bear) to aid the process.

When we were all set Henry suggested that suckers might make everyone feel better, and watching some Curious George would help too.

As I finished getting dinner ready and the kids sat on the un-sharp couch eating their suckers I over heard them.

Meleah: It really hurts
Henry: I know Meleah

a few minutes later...
Meleah: It really hurts Henry
Henry: I know Meleah, it will be okay

It's good to know that in the appropriate situation Henry will be the best big brother he can be.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Extra Monkeys at the Zoo

Today we were invited to go to the zoo...the kids had a great time and blended right in with all of the animal behavior!





After the zoo it was off to the park for lunch and a chance to run off some more energy!





Meleah was trying her hardest not to look at me since I was trying to take a picture.

Friday, October 8, 2010

My Little Einstein

Last night I had to run to the mall with the kids. (Perhaps HAD is too strong of word but...I digress). When we were loading in the van afterwards Henry said, "Look mom, S R A E S, what does that say?"

I told him that it was the name of the store, SEARS. I said that the letters went in the other order to make the word, and then he repeated them the correct way. I couldn't believe he knew all of the letters.

Henry proceeded to tell me all of the letters and words they were learning in preschool. He didn't stop talking the entire ride home. He has gone to school 7 days, and the amount that he has learned already is amazing.

The best part was that he was, and is, so excited about it. Not only did he have me as an audience, but Meleah too. My little sponges. Meleah repeated everything that Henry said.

I hope they both continue to be so eager to learn!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Apple Orchard Field Trip

Today was Henry's first field trip - off to the apple orchard! He has been very excited about going, and Henry said that he had a great time. The only thing that was bad about it was that his patellas (knees) and tummy started to hurt because there was too much walking!


Learning all about apples

Henry's favorite part was watching the picked apples be emptied into the big crates. All of the apples are picked by hand at this orchard, Henry thought the fact that the picking bags opened at the bottom was the coolest!

Our first field trip picture together!


Henry and cousin Matthew - best buds!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Children's Museum

My sister invited us to joing her and the boys in going to the Children's Museum...the kids were thrilled since Curious George was there! They all kept busy as there was so much to see and do.


Meleah getting a little too friendly with George!



Saturday, September 18, 2010

Starting Preschool

We have started a new phase in life: Preschool!

Henry (and I) made it through his first week, and we are both excited about next week.



We took pictures on the first day, which was just an hour for Henry and I to go and see what the year would be like. It was so nice and sunny, plus Henry was willing, so we took the first pictures. I'm so glad that we did, Thursday it was raining and Henry wasn't as photogenic either.


Henry trying out the new activities at school.

The first official day, Henry with cousin Matthew. They are both enjoying the idea of having someone they know in their class and are already claiming to be friends too!


Henry and Matthew with their teacher Mrs. H!